Spain is a popular academic hub that houses top-ranked universities offering globally-recognised degrees. International students need to obtain a student visa to study in Spain. So, let’s learn more about this visa, including Spain’s student visa requirements and other interesting details through this guide.

Key Highlights

• Study visa for Spain: An overview
• Spain study visa requirements
• Spain student visa for Indians: When and where to apply?
• Spain study visa appointment process
• Spain study visa processing time
• Spanish student visa fee

Study visa for Spain: An overview

It is mandatory to obtain a Spanish study visa for:

• Full-time (a minimum of 20 hours per week) studies at an authorised university that will earn you a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• Doctorate studies
• Training activities
• Student exchange programs (These programs allow international students to study various courses, participate in extracurricular activities and excursions at their university’s partner educational institution.)
• Au pair programmes (This program allows international students to stay with Spanish families, like paying guests to learn a new culture and language and to socialise with locals.)

International students should apply for a study visa if they plan to study, train, or do internships for a period exceeding 90 days. This visa cannot be extended. No study visa is required if the course duration is less than or equal to 90 days. However, based on a student’s nationality, a short-stay visa or “Schengen visa” may be required.

Spain study visa requirements

You need to submit a few documents and a visa application form to meet the eligibility criteria for the Spanish study visa. Spain study visa requirements for Indians are mentioned below:

• You need to provide an acceptance letter for the study programs, training, internships, or volunteer activity you are planning to pursue in Spain. The letter must include details like the program’s start and end date and the total cost involved.
• Proof of sufficient funds to support your studies, stay, return to the home country and accompanied family members (The minimum required amount is EUROS 7,200, i.e., ~INR 6,36,900)
• Criminal record certificate (Recently issued by the home country)
• Proof of health insurance
• Medical certificate
• Latest passport-size colour photograph
• Residence proof
• A fee receipt of the visa application
• A valid passport

You must appear for English language proficiency exams like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) to pursue an English-taught programme at a Spanish university.

Pro-Tip: Kindly check Spain’s official immigration website for the correct and latest information about the documents students need to submit for a study visa.

Spain student visa for Indians: When and where to apply?

After receiving a letter of acceptance from your university, apply for a Spanish student visa from your home country at least 2-3 months before the course commencement.

Visit the Embassy/Consulate General of Spain in your home country to apply for a student visa. So, connect with the nearest authority and submit the study visa application form in person.

Spain student visa appointment process

• Book an online appointment with the Spanish Embassy or Consular Office to submit the Spain study visa application form and related documents in person.
• The Consular Office may ask you to submit additional documents or to appear for a personal interview. So, keep checking the consulate website to get accurate information on whether you need to appear for the face-to-face interview or submit any missing documents.
• Pay the visa fees and wait for a decision. Once the study visa is issued, collect it in person. 

Spain student visa processing time

Kindly note that the turnaround time (TAT) of the Spain study visa may vary from one Spanish Embassy and country to another. Generally, the Spanish student visa application gets processed within 2-3 months. The TAT will increase if incomplete or inaccurate documents are submitted. Therefore, it is advised to plan your Spain study visa appointment ahead of time to avoid any delays.

Spanish student visa fee

For Indian nationals, the visa fee is INR 7,035. This needs to be paid by demand draft drawn in favour of the “Consulate General of Spain”.

Hopefully, this information will assist you in planning your study abroad journey to Spain. If education inflation is bothering you, apply for an education loan to study abroad and finance your higher education independently. At Avanse Financial Services, we offer customised education loans that cover the holistic cost of education, including tuition fees, accommodation costs, the cost of learning devices, and other related costs. Get in touch with us to learn more about education loans for students!